Travel House has opened its 15th shop and is poised to open another next week with a target of reaching 20 next year.
The expanding South Wales miniple, which had 23 high street shops pre-Covid, held the launch event for its latest branch in Penarth on July 15.
Head of retail Leanne Williams said the chain was now looking to “fill gaps” in South Wales by opening in areas that do not currently have independent high street agents. The 16th shop is due to open at the end of July in Cwmbran.
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Two shops that closed temporarily during Covid have not reopened and a store that opened in Killay in August 2019 was also shut after a struggle to recruit staff, she said.
But Williams said the miniple’s growth plans were now back on track, with a further four shops due to open by the end of next year. She said: “There are lots of opportunities for us. It’s about the right locations and finding the right staff.”
Travel House’s new Penarth branch will be the only independent agency in the town, which also has a Tui store. Previously the town boasted a Tailor Made Travel, which was bought by Hays Travel, but subsequently closed.
There are lots of opportunities for us. It’s about the right locations and finding the right staff
The shop is being managed by Claire Morgan, formerly at The Travel Lounge Penarth and prior to that director of Tailor Made Travel. Assistant manager is Kaz Masters, also ex-Tailor Made Travel. The store hopes to recruit at least one more staff member and an apprentice.
Williams said: “It’s a great area. Claire has 30 years’ experience and is well known in the area. We’re not expecting massive footfall, but we think the enquiries will be high-end.”
A social media campaign to boost the shop’s profile on Facebook generated 1,930 followers with a competition to win a £1,000 Jet2holidays voucher, presented to the winner at the launch.
The shop has two TV screens in its window, a move being gradually rolled out across the chain.
Travel House is also hoping to recruit a further five apprentices in the autumn.
More: Travel House opens 17th store as high street business booms [June 22]